Department of Commerce Ends Supension Agreement, Reinstating Tomato Tariffs
Washington, D.C. — A newly released national survey of registered voters reveals a bipartisan majority of Republicans (69%), Democrats (52%) and Independents (51%) support the idea of replacing the current income tax system with a national sales tax. Also, 50% of voters surveyed support the elimination of the IRS.
Conducted by Quantus Insights and commissioned by the National Tax Research Committee, the poll suggests that Americans, particularly younger and working-class voters, are increasingly open to bold structural changes in how the federal government collects revenue.
At a time of continued economic uncertainty and public dissatisfaction with federal institutions, 58% of voters say they would support a national consumption tax that allowed workers to retain their paychecks without federal with-holding. This proposal, central to the FAIRtax Plan (HR25), envisions eliminating income, payroll, corporate, capital gains and estate taxes and replacing them with a single, visible sales tax applied at the point of retail purchase. While long discussed in academic and political circles, the FAIRtax concept appears to be gaining traction with the public.
The survey finds that support for abolishing the IRS is equally notable. Exactly half of all respondents endorsed the idea with enthusiasm especially strong among voters under the age of 30, where support rises to 60%. Working-class voters without college degrees also expressed above-average support indicating the appetite for reform is not confined to any one ideological segment.
While the divide between Republican and Democratic voters is pronounced – nearly two-thirds of Republicans fa-vor eliminating the IRS, compared to just over one-third of Democrats – the presence of bipartisan openness to re-form is striking.
However, support is not without reservations. Concerns over fairness and affordability remains high, particularly among older Americans, women, Democrats and voters with post-graduate degrees. Many worry that a national sales tax could increase prices or fall disproportionately on low-income households, despite the inclusion of a monthly rebate in the FAIRtax proposal intended to offset taxes on basic necessities. These concerns suggest that while Ameri-cans are open to change, they are also seeking assurance that a new system would be implemented equitably.
When asked more broadly which type of tax system they believe was fairer and most effective, voters were divided. While 28% favored a national sales tax (the single most selected option) others expressed preference for a hybrid sys-tem combining income and sales taxes (18%), a flat income tax (17%) or the current system (14%). Notably, 24% said they were unsure, underscoring both the complexity of the issue and a general lack of existing models.
Awareness of the FAIRtax Act remains relatively low with only one in four voters having heard of the proposal prior to the survey, with knowledge highest among middle-aged and Black voters. However, once respondents were presented with the basic explanation of the plan, support levels rose significantly- indicating that the concept may have substantial room to grow with increased public education.
Perhaps the most resonant element of the FAIRtax framework is it’s simplicity. The idea of keeping your paycheck without federal withholding stood out across all demographics with nearly 60% of voters identifying it as the most appealing feature. In contrast, more abstract components – like dismantling the IRS or receiving a monthly prebate – received more mixed reactions. For many the emotional and financial appeal of retaining their full earnings without federal withholding outweighed concerns about structure itself.
This is not yet a populist uprising against the income tax, but it may represent the early stages of a profound shift in public opinion. Across age, education, race and political affiliation, Americans are showing signs of fatigue with the complexity and perceived unfairness of the current income tax system. The fact that the majority are willing to support a national sales tax to replace the current system and half are willing to to see the IRS abolished should be a sign that change is on the horizon, while policy makers can take note that the public opinion for both ideas is significant.
For more information go to FAIRtax.org
